Earlier this week, Gawker Media's Valleywag blog announced the start of its Tablet Scavenger Hunt, by which it would reward any readers who sent in pictures or videos of the rumoured Apple Tablet – and $100,000 for letting them actually have a play on one.

However, it seems that maybe the site didn't need to fork out the cash for photos to prove the existence of the tablet (as if we did anyway), but rather let Apple more or less confirm it for itself.

Following the Scavenger Hunt post, Apple almost immediately set its solicitors on to the site warning the it against "soliciting photos, video, or a sample of an unannounced and highly confidential Apple product."

The lawyer's letter went on to say: “While Apple values and appreciates vibrant public commentary about its products, we believe you and your company have crossed the line by offering a bounty for theft of Apple’s trade secrets. Such an offer is illegal and Apple insists that you immediately discontinue the Scavenger Hunt.”

There wouldn't be much to worry about if there wasn't anything to hide though, eh Apple?